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Triangles ABC and DEF: AB = DE = 5, BC = EF = 7, angle B = angle E =…

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Congruent triangles · Geometry

Step by step

The question

Question: which rule shows that triangles ABC and DEF are congruent?

1 Match the parts

Congruent means the same shape and the same size.

One fits exactly on top of the other.

The order of the letters shows which corners match: A with D, B with E, C with F.

DEF is turned over.

That does not matter.

AB and DE are both 5: a pair of equal sides.

S for side.

AB = DE = 5 S

BC and EF are both 7: a pair of equal sides.

S for side.

BC = EF = 7 S

Angle B and angle E are both 40°: a pair of equal angles.

A for angle.

angle B = angle E = 40° A

2 Find the rule

Angle B is between the two sides: AB and BC both touch corner B.

Go round: side, angle, side: S A S.

AB → angle B → BC

Two sides and the angle between them fix the triangle.

There is only one way to draw it.

So S A S shows the triangles are congruent.

SAS → congruent

Let's look back.

First: match the parts.

Last: find the rule.

Answer
SAS → congruent

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Which rule?
Show the answer
SAS → congruent

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